Dan Pryor signs with Japanese club Manukata Sanix Blues

Dan Pryor was a key figure in the Northland side since his debut in 2010. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Northland stalwart Dan Pryor has signed with Japanese club Manukata Sanix Blues for the 2018 Japan Top League season.

The loose forward played 63 matches in the Cambridge blue since 2010, earning a cult following for both his uncompromising play and his signature dreadlocks.

Pryor has opted to activate his early release clause meaning he will miss the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup, though is not ruling out a future return to the Taniwha.

Northland coach Derren Witcombe wished him luck for his next rugby challenge.

"Of course I'm disappointed that DP won't be with us for this season but, like the true professional he is, he's kept us fully informed of his plans and we've made plans based around this," he said.

"I wish him well for this next stage of his career and hope to see him back in our jersey one day."

Pryor made his first of 63 appearances in the Cambridge blue in 2010 and quickly became a fan favourtie - not solely because of his locks.

He gained his first Super Rugby selection back in 2012 with the Blues before becoming a feature of the Highlanders forward pack in 2015.

Pryor has been with the side since then but has seen his playing time decrease with the likes of Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon and Liam Squire all asserting their claims.

For the majority of his time in the Northland jersey, Dan played alongside brother Kara with both of them becoming integral features of the side.

Dan, the older brother, told the Northern Advocate last year that playing with Kara was a highlight of his time.

"When you've got a little brother you play with each other growing up and then a few years ago while he was playing for Auckland he said he wanted to come up and play with me,' he said.

"It's been awesome and it's a blessing to play with him."

Both have become known in equal measure for their signature hair-dos as well as their uncompromising play on the field.